A breast augmentation can be so much more than just a cosmetic procedure. For many, it can mark the first step towards a marked improvement in one’s self-esteem and confidence. At Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery, we understand there are many different reasons for a breast enhancement, which is why we work closely with each one of our patients, continuously striving to meet the specific goals and aspirations of each and every person we see.

A breast augmentation procedure, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to provide women lacking in form, volume, or symmetry of the chest an improved, aesthetically pleasing figure. This procedure, performed at our Tampa or Sarasota locations, can provide a proportionate figure, and create a restored silhouette on women of any age.

About Our Surgeon

Dr. Joshua Kreithen is one of the most respected breast augmentation specialists in the Tampa and Sarasota areas. Over the years, he has helped numerous women enhance both their physical appearance and psychological well-being through breast augmentation surgery. In order to deliver the best possible aesthetic results, Dr. Kreithen carefully customizes each breast implant procedure. Contact our office to schedule a consultation appointment.

A breast augmentation procedure, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to provide women lacking in form, volume, or symmetry of the chest an improved, aesthetically pleasing figure. This procedure can provide a proportionate figure, and create a restored silhouette on women of any age.

Am I the Best Candidate?

The best candidate for this surgery is a woman in good health, who wants to improve the size or shape of her breasts. During your consultation, Dr. Kreithen will personally assist in helping each patient achieve the best results possible.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are looking for significant improvement in the way they look, are physically healthy, and have realistic expectations for the procedure. Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers, who must quit at least one month prior to surgery and refrain from smoking for one month afterwards.

The best candidate for this surgery will be a woman in good health, who is frustrated with the size or shape of her breasts. During your in-person consultation appointment, your surgeon will assist in deciding if the augmentation surgery is the right procedure to meet your individual goals and needs.

Before & After

Quick Facts About Breast Augmentation

Procedure: Enhance the size of breasts using implants filled with saline or silicone.
Length: 2 hours.
Anesthesia: Local with IV sedation.
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Recovery: Back to work in a few days. Heavy exercise and vigorous aerobic activity or lifting after three to four weeks. Fading of scars in several months to a year or more.

Planning Your Consultation and Surgery

During your initial consultation, Dr. Kreithen will evaluate your anatomy and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. Because most insurance companies do not consider breast augmentation to be medically necessary, carriers generally do not cover the cost of this procedure.

At the completion of your consultation, you will meet with our patient coordinator. You will be given an estimate of the cost of your procedure and have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation. Dr. Kreithen realizes the importance of your decision and will be happy to meet with you a second time to discuss the surgery.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Dr. Kreithen and our team will give you in-depth instructions to prepare you for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

Where Your Surgery Will be Performed

A breast augmentation will most likely be performed at our state-of-the-art Holcomb–Kreithen Plastic Surgery Medical Center certified operating room, and is usually done on an outpatient basis. Complex combination procedures like a mommy makeover may require a short inpatient stay at a local hospital.

Types of Anesthesia

Breast augmentation is usually performed with IV sedation, so you’ll be in a twilight sleep through the entire operation. Some of our breast augmentation patients who have multiple procedures at the same time may require general anesthesia.

The Surgery

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and preferences. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest or around the areola.

Working through the incision, Dr. Kreithen will skillfully create a pocket, either underneath your breast tissue or the chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.

The surgery usually takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing. After your surgery, you will be provided with an appropriately sized sports bra that closes in the front.

Types of Breast Augmentation Implants

There are two types of breast implants available today: the saline implant and the silicone implant. Both can improve the contours of a woman’s body, and bring proportion to her chest. The saline implant and the silicone implant both come in a wide variety of sizes (noted as CCs), shapes (round or teardrop), and textures (smooth or textured).

Additionally, the breast implant can be placed over or under the chest muscle (subglandular or submuscular). Which implant is best will depend on a woman’s aesthetic goals. Using these different variations, a surgeon can customize the breast augmentation to fit the unique needs of each patient.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants have been proven completely safe for the body
Silicone implants can provide a more organic-feeling and looking breast
A large variety of shapes and sizes are available.
Silicone implants are pre-filled before placed in the chest.

Saline Implants

On the market since the mid-1960s
Filled with a salt-water solution safe for the body
Implants are not pre-filled; the saline solution is added after the implant is placed.
Saline implants result in a firm, round breast

Schedule A Consultation

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Patients should expect the initial recovery from a breast augmentation surgery in Tampa or Sarasota to take about one week. There may be some soreness and mild pain immediately surgery, this will remain well controlled through appropriately prescribed pain medications. There may be some burning around the nipples or incision sites, as well as bruising; these will resolve within the first five to seven days. Swelling is normal but may take up to four weeks or longer to completely disappear. After a few days, the gauze bandages will be removed from the breasts. A sports bra should be worn for up to four weeks following the surgery.

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and around within 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort will be controlled by pain medication.

Within the first week, the gauze dressings and stitches will be removed. You should wear your sports bra as much as possible for four weeks. Swelling in your breasts may take one to two months to disappear.

Model

Getting Back to Normal

Most of our breast augmentation patients are able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for the job. It is safe to drive a car after discontinuing pain medication for 24 hours, as reflexes and alertness return to normal.

You should wait four weeks before strenuous activity or exercises, and not lift more than 10 pounds in each arm. Walking and other normal activities can resume when you feel comfortable.

Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually four to six weeks after surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for up to three months. You will be given instructions for daily breast massage. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Your New Look

For most breast augmentation patients, the result of breast augmentation is satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. If we have helped you meet your goals, then your surgery is a success!

Breast Augmentation